Passé is a compelling site-specific installation by Roland Wegerer, exhibited in 2017 at the former Anton-Bruckner-University in Linz. Measuring 60x80x230cm and crafted from fabric and wood, this kinetic artwork incorporates an engine-driven rotating mechanism to animate an abstract dancer captured in the classic Passè ballet position.
Placed shortly before the university’s reconstruction, the installation offered a quiet tribute, serving as a “silent goodbye” to a building that had long nurtured students in music, dance, and acting. The elegantly rotating figure evokes movement and transformation, reflecting both the passage of time and the ongoing legacy of artistic education that defined the university’s spirit.
Wegerer’s concept underscores a central theme: the dialogue between tradition and transition. The abstract form and ballet motif honor the creative discipline once alive within the space, while the rotating mechanism metaphorically signals the turning of an era. This immersive installation invites reflection and emotional connection, creating a bridge between the rich cultural past and the evolving future—a consistent motif throughout Wegerer’s art practice, which explores the interplay of space, memory, and innovation.